Absorptive capacity of health systems in fragile states

Liz Tayler, November 2005

What can donors do for the health sector in fragile states? This paper outlines some principles and approaches that can help to address absorptive capacity constraints, and to support long term development of health systems.

It begins by looking at the broad context and at the multiple challenges - political, economic and practical - faced by donors. Moving to the health sector, the paper highlights the key issues and offers ideas and suggestions for donor engagement.